Organizing a trip through Europe is challenging, more so if you can’t manage to get good deals and discounts. Let’s talk about a way to save some money while taking a beautiful trip around Europe! Keep reading to learn about the Eurail Pass and the Interrail Pass!
1. What are the Eurail Pass and Interrail Pass?
First of all, let’s explain what those passes are. Eurail and Interrail passes are the same things. The only difference is who can buy them. Indeed, a Eurail Pass can only be used by non-European citizens or non-European residents. European citizens can use an Interrail Pass instead.Â
Each of these passes is an all-in-one train ticket giving you flexible access to most trains across Europe. Unlike traditional train tickets, with Eurail or Interrail you can go wherever you want, whenever you want. Some trains do ask you to make a reservation, but most trains can be boarded as easily as flashing your Pass. A pass gives unlimited free travel on all the train services run by the national train operator in each of the countries it covers. These aren’t special ‘Interrail trains’, these are all the normal, regular trains operating in that country.
You also have the choice between a Global Pass for all of Europe or a One-Country Pass. It all depends on what you want to do during your trip. In addition, the pass is now dematerialized. The mobile pass makes everything much more simple as all your information is on one app. It makes ticket inspection easier, and it reduces the use of paper. You can book your train tickets, use the planner, and cancel or exchange tickets all on your app!
2. Eurail Pass and Interrail Pass: do you need them?
The greatest advantage of the pass is the flexibility. So buying it would be most beneficial if you are traveling through Europe for a long period of time and want to visit many countries. In that case, you will not have everything planned out beforehand, and you will need the financial advantages of the pass in order to save some money. However, if you are traveling in Europe for a short period of time, in only a couple of countries, and can plan everything ahead of time, the pass would not be that beneficial to you.
Another aspect to consider is if you will be taking a lot of ferries. Indeed, pass holders get 50% off ferries in Greece, Italy, and Germany, 40% off ferries in Finland, and some other bus discounts. So if you are planning on taking ferries to discover these countries, the pass might be a great way to save some money!
3. Eurail Pass and Interrail Pass: why you should buy one
As we already said, flexibility is the greatest asset of this pass. For example, once you have booked a train ticket, if you change your mind it won’t be a problem! You can change your itinerary anytime if you have the pass, and cancellations and exchanges are very easy.
Saving money is of course another main concern when debating on buying a pass. In addition to the ferry discounts mentioned earlier, having an Interrail or Eurail Pass entitles you to take advantage of hundreds of discounts and rewards all over Europe. Depending on your destination, you will be able to enjoy free public transport, hostel offers, and discounts on city cards.
4. What you can do with a Pass
Let’s talk about some examples of trips that you can take thanks to these passes. Indeed, the websites offer many interesting suggestions, and here are some of them. If you prefer warmer climates, you could choose an itinerary through the Greek Islands. The route that Eurail/Interrail proposes is to start with Athens at Piraeus Harbor, to then go to Syros, Naxos, Sifnos, and finally, Crete. This itinerary is remarkable and will allow you to discover the most beautiful landscapes and culture. You will be able to enjoy the delicious food, the vibrant nightlife, and learn about Greek history, all in one tour!
Another very appealing proposition is an alternative one-month tour through Europe. This itinerary will take you to unusual and less-known places in Europe. This will give you a unique perspective of the continent, and leave you with great memories! This trip takes you through 10 European cities, some of them being Belgrade, Rotterdam, and Bologna.
They even have an “Instagrammable Europe Tour”! This unique tour will take you through the cities that are considered to be the most photogenic. The cities that were selected are Paris, Strasbourg, Konstanz, Zurich, Tirano, Milan, and Geneva. This just might be the perfect tour for photographers and people who particularly appreciate the beauty of the landscapes or skylines.
Click here to read about how to spend two days in Granada and here to find out about the most beautiful beaches in France!
